Misconceptions About Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is a healthcare epidemic in the U.S. As a growing number of people are facing the health risks of being overweight or obese, there has been an uptick in the number of bariatric surgery procedures. In 2011, around 158,000 patients underwent weight loss surgery. Six years later, the number of surgical procedures has increased to 228,000.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you’ve likely come across all sorts of misconceptions and myths. Keep reading to learn the truth about weight loss surgery, including how it can be a life-changing decision that allows you to take back control over your health.

“Weight Loss Surgery Is Dangerous”

All surgery poses a variety of risks and, in the past, bariatric surgery was riskier than other surgical procedures. However, there have been all sorts of medical advancements that have made safe weight loss surgery a reality for patients all over the globe.

Weight loss procedures can now be performed using a laparoscopic technique, which offers a wide range of benefits, including:

At the end of the day, surgery does have risks, but those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of declined health due to conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health.

“Surgery Is the Easy Way to Lose Weight”

Another common misconception about bariatric weight loss surgery is that it’s the easy way out. Many see surgery as a way to circumvent the need to eat a healthy diet and to exercise in order to lose weight—but this is entirely untrue. Bariatric surgery patients must make lifestyle changes that allow them to lose weight and to keep it off in the long-term. Surgery is simply a tool that patients can use along their journey.

Weight loss surgery patients must make all sorts of life-long commitments. First, they must commit to eating a healthy and wholesome diet while also engaging in regular exercise. Bariatric patients must also tackle any behavioral problems, such as binge eating or stress eating, to prevent these issues from causing weight gain in the future.

“Bariatric Patients Have Severe Health Issues”

It’s true that a patient who chooses to undergo surgery for obesity can experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is often attributed to reduced absorption and reduced nutrient intake. Patients can also suffer from protein deficiency and micronutrients.

However, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can be avoided by eating a wholesome diet and through the use of dietary supplements. In fact, most bariatric patients are advised to take vitamins and protein supplements to minimize the risk of deficiencies that can lead to other health issues. and then monitored regularly with blood works to check and correct any deficiency.

Trusted Weight Loss Surgery in Houston

If you’re considering stomach surgery to lose weight, you want to choose a bariatric surgeon that is experienced in performing different weight loss surgeries. At Houston Sleeve Surgery Clinic, we offer many different surgical options, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.

Make the call today and take back control of your life. Schedule a consultation by calling our office at (281) 888-7767. Our staff is here to answer any questions you may have in choosing the best weight loss surgery for you.

Disclaimer: This is only for general information. All patients should consult their doctors prior to following any of the recommendations in any articles, posts, or videos. All patients have individual needs and limitations that only their treating physicians can be aware of.